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To recognize and celebrate Christopher Trail as the 2026 Recipient of the Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio’s in the Trenches Award
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WHEREAS, Christopher Trail is the 2026 recipient of the Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio’s In the Trenches Award; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law, Mr. Trail began his career at Porter Wright, and later joined Bank One, now JPMorganChase as a leading commercial lending attorney. Now retired, Mr. Trail dedicates his time to giving back to the community as a legal aid volunteer; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Trail volunteered for LASCO at record sealing and expungement clinics, which has taught him valuable lessons in the barriers many people face to employment and housing; and
WHEREAS, His pro bono work has granted many clients the legal help they need and has lasting effects that remind Mr. Trail of the importance of his volunteering; and
WHEREAS, Despite his background in commercial lending law, the training and guidance Legal Aid provided gave Mr. Trail the confidence to continue volunteering and he encourages others to do the same. The reward of being able to provide others life-changing assistance through pro bono work is what continues to inspire Mr. Trail each day; and
WHEREAS, Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio is committed to searching out the patterns, causes of, and solutions to the repetitive and fundamental legal problems facing low-income Ohioans and pursuing the legal recourse needed to address those problems; and
WHEREAS, Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio is comprised of advocates who are passionate about providing legal services to low-income individuals, and it is an honor and a privilege to work with an organization that is committed to making the daily lives of Columbus residents better - a fact exemplified by the service of people such as Christopher Trail; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council recognizes and celebrates Christopher Trail as the 2026 Recipient of the Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio’s In the Trenches Award.